We've had some long days here at Pasty Central lately... The last week before Christmas sees a couple of thousand pasties leave Calumet. On the way through Houghton, the Airborne driver has a view of Mount Ripley on the north side of the canal.

If you were driving that way just now as I type these words, this is what you would see (if you could see anything at all). It has been an amazing day of continuous snow here in the Keweenaw. The efforts last night by the snow maker - which you can see clearly in the second picture - was quite unnecessary.

Our apologies that our staff has been so busy... we'll try to have the gift certificates and 2001 Pasty Cam calendars available in the next couple of days. Thanks to all who had a part in selecting this year's line-up of photos. We know you will be pleased with the results.

Really great long-exposure shots by Mr. Hopper.

Is that actually a snow gun in the middle left side of the close-up shot?...One question...WHY?

What would it take to get Airborne out, & FedEx in ?

This really brings back the memories of growing up in the Copper Country and trekking to Mt. Ripley for some good skiing. Nice shot, Jon.

Yes, a brand new snow gun making snow from the largest water reservoir in the world. Why?? Have you ever skiied Mont Ripley a.k.a Rocky Ripley a.k.a. Mont Rip-em-Off (the bottoms of your skiis, that is)? Those are names from over 25 years ago when I used to ski there. Now I too love to watch the skiiers at nighttime on Ripley.

Thank you Pasty Central for the wonderful pictures here in the Keweenaw. Even though I live here, I visit your site each and every time I surf. It is wonderful to find new places in my own back yard.

I'm not a native, but my Dad grew up in Hubbel, where we returned this past Summer for a HUGE family reunion. Living near D.C. -- where today's forecasted inch of snow will likely be a Federal disaster -- I look forward to seeing REAL Winter photos, many of which resemble "Bedford Falls"!

Question for anyone: I remember seeing a brief spot on ESPN of Summertime motorcycle hill-climbing races on a ski slope somewhere in Michigan. Was it Mount Ripley????

Thats a cool looing ski slop. How did you get those stars to come so near to the ground? I guess thats one of the perks about being in Gods country! Nice photo!

PD D.C.

I grew up in Marquette and I know they have motorcycle hill-climbing races there. I saw a special about it on The Learning Channel a while back (one of those "extreme machines" shows). I think they also have hill-climbing in the Copper Country somewhere, but I'm not exactly sure where.

The motorcycle hill climbing is in South Range. More recently there have been snowmobile climbs held there.

So many good times... so many good friends.

PC2002!!! And good luck tonight! I hear ya'll are s'posed to get some of the white stuff!! :) Just storms down here so far!

pc2002. But I like the lower one better as it twinkles even more.

tell me how to make a snow gun!!!!!!!

Wow, no messages for 2003, and the year is nearly over! Here, I'll leave one.